Higher Diploma in Language and Corporate Communication (Korean)

Lam Wing Yan (Graduates)
Hong Kong Shue Yan University - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Journalism and Communication Programme - Year 3 intake

"Being a class representative and student helper at the Language Center gave me additional learning opportunities, especially communication skills, as well as relevant work experience.
I participated in the Korean Study tour which offered a deeper understanding of local architecture and culture, such as the Blue House and Korea University, which is different from a typical free-and-easy tour. The most impressed me was experiencing a homestay, which helped me to improve my Korean language skills through direct communication with the local people. It also made me more aware of the areas where I needed to improve my Korean proficiency."

Alwina Khan Zarish (Graduates)
The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong - Bachelor of Translation with Business (Honours) - Year 3 intake (Graduated)

"Life at HKCT is fabulous and full of challenges. I have benefited a great deal from Wai Yin Study Tour Scholarship and EDB Reaching Out Award, I was given the chance to join the study tour to Korea and the Career Exchange Tour to Singapore, through which I have gained extensive knowledge and broaden my horizon. Meanwhile, I have organized activities to promote public integrity as the ICAC Ambassador. This greatly improved my interpersonal and organizational skills. In short, I have benefit a great deal from classroom learning, study tours and extracurricular activities.
Courses of Higher Diploma in Language and Corporate Communication (Korean) have allowed me to experience local Korean culture and understand their values. Together with the industry knowledge gained throughout the years, I am well prepared for future career."

Wan Yuk Ping (Graduates)

"I was afraid of new environment. I could still remember that when I was first in HKCT, I was a passive and reserved student being reluctant to new things. Thanks to my nice classmates and passionate teachers here, I have made a lot of good friends. It is a breakthrough in my life. Even more, I have become a caring person who is eager to try new things and face challenges. In this new semester, I learn and play with my classmates. After school, we formed a study group to revise in Language Centre. Sometimes, we joined extra-curricular activities and a Study Tour. It is my great pleasure to meet them in this year."

Applicants who do not meet the entry requirement may apply for a 1-year Diploma of Applied Education (listed below) and articulate to this higher diploma programme.
Diploma of Applied Education (Korean Language and Popular Culture)

Is a background in the Korean language required for this course?
Whether you have never encountered Korean, have a slight foundation, or have even taken the TOPIK, you are suitable for this course:
No previous contact with Korean:

• Start from the basics (Hangul/the alphabet), moving from basic grammar to situational conversation
• We build Korean ability from shallow to deep, establishing confidence
• Tutors will use Cantonese to explain difficult points in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Outside of class, you can practise Korean through lifestyle activities and converse with native Korean tutors

Existing Korean foundation:

• Through systematic revision and extended teaching, you will refresh old knowledge and learn new things, consolidating your foundation
• The course targets specific learning "pain points" to break through stagnation periods, significantly upgrading your Korean ability
• There is also more room to focus on corporate communication, transforming your skills into workplace advantages

What are the career prospects for studying Korean?
Studying Korean is not just about satisfying a cultural interest; it helps develop employment advantages and creates differentiation in the workplace. Apart from working in Korean companies, procurement and trading, tourism, hotels, high-end catering, marketing, public relations, and business negotiations, Korean is a powerful tool as an auxiliary professional skill. Starting salaries are often higher than general administrative positions.

How does this course differ from other Korean courses on the market?
Business Practice:
HKCT is the only tertiary institution offering a Higher Diploma in Korean. General courses focus on daily conversation, travel Korean, or grammar drills. The "Higher Diploma in Language and Corporate Communication (Korean)" teaches not only the language but also workplace communication knowledge such as marketing and advertising, media communication, and project organisation and promotion, turning you into a cross-cultural communication specialist.
Academic Recognition:
The qualifications of general courses are mainly built on Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) results. This Higher Diploma is recognised at Level 4 of the Hong Kong Qualifications Framework (QF), which is a formal tertiary qualification. It serves as a ladder for articulation to university bachelor's degrees and meets the "tertiary graduate" entry threshold for many large corporations.
Supporting Resources:
Students on this course enjoy college resources, including Korean exchange tours, further study and employment seminars, and career counselling. You can also participate in other student activities, providing whole-person development and enriching campus life.

Is it better to self-study Korean or attend physical classes?
The essence of language lies in two-way communication. Online self-study tends to be one-way reception. Only through real-time interaction and feedback in physical classes can knowledge be transformed into flexible communication skills.
Benefits of physical classes:

• Learning in a mutual-help atmosphere through interactive dialogue and group discussions
• Tutors can provide immediate guidance, such as correcting pronunciation and clarifying grammatical logic
• Professional tutors select appropriate teaching materials for systematic instruction
• Fixed class times and learning progress provide greater motivation